South Lida Lake

How big is South Lida Lake?

How deep is South Lida Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in South Lida Lake?

What are the closest cities to South Lida Lake?

Are there boat launches on South Lida Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near South Lida Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for South Lida Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations South Lida Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in South Lida Lake?

South Lida Lake is an 856-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in northwest Otter Tail County approximately five miles east of Pelican Rapids, MN. South Lida Lake is connected to North Lida Lake by a navigable culvert under State Highway 108 along the north shoreline of the lake. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of hardwood forest. The maximum depth is 48 feet; however, 42% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2015 lake survey was 4.5 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 4.5 to 9.3 feet.
The south and west shorelines of South Lida Lake have been extensively developed with homes and cabins. A majority of the east shoreline is located within the boundaries of Maplewood State Park. A DNR owned public water access is located within the state park along the southeast shoreline and a private access is located along the north shoreline. A public swimming beach and campground are also located along the east shoreline in the state park. Large stands of hardstem bulrush and common cattail are scattered along the undeveloped sections of shoreline. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush and cattail provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can actually absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
South Lida Lake can be ecologically classified as a Walleye-centrarchid type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Bluegill are the dominant gamefish species.
Walleyes ranged in length from 10.0 to 27.7 inches with an average length and weight of 17.5 inches and 2.1 pounds. Age data indicate that the 2012 year class is strong and should provide good Walleye angling in the future. Walleyes attain an average length of 14.9 inches at age four.
Recent surveys have shown an increase in Northern Pike abundance. Age and length data indicate that pike reproduction is consistent. Pike ranged in length from 14.6 to 32.5 inches with an average length and weight of 22.2 inches and 2.5 pounds. Pike attain an average length of 24.0 inches at age four.
Data from a spring trapnetting assessment indicate that Black Crappies are abundant and have a good size distribution. Black Crappies ranged in length from 4.4 to 12.7 inches with an average length of 10.1 inches. Thirty percent of crappies sampled were 11.0 inches or greater in length. Crappies attain an average length of 11.2 inches at five years of age.
The Bluegill population is very abundant and has a moderate size structure. Twelve percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.4 inches at four years of age.
Harvest regulations for Walleye and Black Crappie have been implemented on South Lida Lake. The Walleye regulation is a 17.0 to 26.0 inch protected slot limit with one over 26.0 inches allowed in possession. The Black Crappie regulation is an 11-inch minimum length limit. The intent of these regulations is to improve the size structure of these populations.
Anglers can also maintain the quality of angling by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.

What is the average air temp for South Lida Lake?

Are there any state parks near South Lida Lake?